Two students were selected to go to Umrah with the support of the Federation of Islamic Medical Associations (FIMA), World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY), and the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA). Bilal and Nafisa share their umrah reflections and their most beloved memories of this remarkable journey below.

Bilal’s First Umrah

11-17 Sha’baan 1445H / 21-27 February 2024

I begin in the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

My name is Bilal Faiq and I am a second year medical student at the University of Southampton. 

All praise is to Allah, who invited me to His House and gave me the opportunity to represent BIMA at the 13th WAMY Umrah Programme, an international programme organised by WAMY (World Assembly of Muslim Youth) and IMAKSA (Islamic Medical Association of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia).

Growing up, I remember watching taraweeh from Makkah on live TV. I have been listening to the imams in Makkah for a long time, they are my favourite Qur’an reciters. Being from a widening participation background, I have not been able to go and visit these places that everyone calls “home” until this year.

I joined BIMA in 2023 and have attended many of  their events. For those who do not know, BIMA brings together Muslim healthcare professionals and students to unite in faith, inspire positive change and serve with purpose. In just over a year of joining BIMA and actively participating in their campaigns, I have benefitted a great deal from the BIMA community. 

As a Muslim student, I am confident that  BIMA represents our voice; and  through them I have heard about opportunities I otherwise wouldn’t have known about.

In December last year I heard about the the Umrah programme for students. Alhamdulillah I applied and got selected. After hearing the good news, I was in a state of happiness that I hadn’t been in before. At the start of this year, I had the intention to go to Umrah but I didn’t know I would be going so soon. I called my parents straight away and shared the joy with them. 

The programme lasted  six days – three days in Madinah and then three days in Makkah. There were around 43 students from about 20 different countries. Alhamdullillah, I also got selected to lead the team at the start of the programme.

My favourite parts of this incredible journey were wearing the ihram (two pieces of white, simple and unstitched clothing that all men wear during pilgrimage, irrespective of  their background, status or title) and my first time ever seeing the Ka’aba – what happened in those moment is something between me and my Creator.We see it in pictures, videos and live TV but the experience is majestic and unmatched in real life,. The view is breathtaking and despite the masjid being packed, the connection you make with the Ka’aba on your first glance is something you cannot describe. Meeting my brothers and fellow-students and sharing our stories was an opportunity of a lifetime. 

I am 25, and I feel I should have been to Umrah earlier but everyone has their own journey, and it is beautiful that way. I now understand why everyone calls it “home” and I pray to have the opportunity to go back again and again.

I would like to thank all of the organisers involved in making this programme a great success Alhamdulillah. I would like to particularly give my thanks to  BIMA for sharing the opportunity with us and to our hosts who worked tirelessly to arrange everything and make our stay a beneficial and pleasant one.ay Allah reward you all with goodness. I pray this article inspires every reader to make plans to visit  Makkah soon, may Allah invite you all soon and accept it from me. Ameen.

Bilal Faiq

Umrah reflections by Nafisa

Embarking on my Umrah journey with WAMY as a representative of BIMA was a deeply spiritual and enriching experience. Beginning in Madinah, visiting the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi) and paying my respects at the Prophet’s tomb filled me with a profound sense of reverence and tranquility. Reflecting on the city’s historical significance and the early days of Islam brought me closer to my faith.

Transitioning to Makkah, performing the Umrah rituals, circumambulating the Kaaba, and praying at the holy sites was incredibly powerful. Being in the holiest city in Islam, surrounded by fellow believers from around the world, intensified my spiritual journey. 

The days were planned by WAMY to ensure we got the best experience and the opportunity to visit many of the historical sites in both cities with a guided tour. We even had time to bond with sisters from other countries as we had dinners and other social events. The accommodation provided was in top 4/5 star hotels, directly next to the Haram (or a 10-min bus journey). We were treated with the utmost respect and all our needs and requirements were fulfilled with gratitude by our hosts. 

In terms of connections, the journey deepened my understanding of the global Muslim community. Engaging with organisations like BIMA and FIMA (Federation of Islamic Medical Associations) provided opportunities for networking and collaboration, strengthening the bonds with fellow professionals committed to serving humanity through medicine and faith.

Meeting amazing sisters along the way was a highlight, fostering friendships and sharing profound experiences that will endure beyond the pilgrimage itself. These encounters reinforced the sense of unity and sisterhood within the ummah, showcasing the diverse contributions of Muslim women to society. Seeing so many female Muslim students from all over the globe really empowered me and inspired me to be my best self. 

Overall, my Umrah journey was a transformative experience, blending spiritual devotion, cultural immersion, and community connection in a deeply personal pilgrimage of faith.

Nafisa Zilani